Not So Cinderella Chapter 17: 17 - Love at the Piano, a twilight fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, only my original characters Ella and Adrian and anything else you don't recognise at being related to the Twilight Franchise

AN: Sorry for not updating last week, as I said the chance was slim because I was on holiday. However as I know this week is to be busy for me I'm updating earlier. If I get another moment this week to write I might update with another chapter but I don't want to give false hope, I'm not 100% sure that will happen. Thank you again to those of you who have reviewed, means a lot ~Hannah

Chapter Seventeen – Love at the Piano

If I had to describe my life in one word, I'd use 'whirlwind'. The world we live in never stops moving and with it I shall never stop living. Teenage angst got nothing on me. Living life to the full was something I was determined to exploit. I had a lot on my plate both educationally and life wise. Why should I live my life in the shadows while waiting for a moment to come to pass? Where this new attitude came from I couldn't tell you but when I woke up this morning I'd decided that 'no bad vibes' were going to affect me and that I was going to live my life without thought to what others might think.

The art project, though only just beginning was not the only one on my plate. Edward and I had been paired for a music project. I think Edward intended to create a song for me to sing to. I didn't think I was a particularly great singer; sure I could carry a tune but could I captivate an audience? I wasn't so sure.

So much had been happening recently. My group of friends were more supernaturally inclined than I would have thought possible and I was constantly being surprised by things that came out of the woodwork. I could understand why Dad could be heard muttering to himself as it was the only thing keeping me sane at present.

Though the Cullen's told me not to be, I was anxious about the presence of a rogue vampire. Did they mean rogue in the literal sense or was that the name given to vampires who didn't live in covens and hadn't adapted to the Cullen's way of life? I knew that any vampire had the ability to be dangerous regardless of what they ate. Though I loved all the Cullen's dearly and by extension my other friend's I was feeling rather inept in dealing with the consequences. I thought perhaps I should get together with Dad and begin learning ways to protect myself. It probably wouldn't work on a vampire or a fey etc. but at least I would feel safer.

Though Angela had stayed quiet on her status of a witch for some time it seemed that she couldn't stay quiet forever. I could understand nobody wanting to tell the Cullen's of who they really are as vampires aren't known for being cautious or accepting. Granted the Cullen's were different to the bloodthirsty vampires that most people assumed they were but still it was difficult to part with a secret that could lead to your death. I just hoped that soon all the secrets that my friend's kept would become common knowledge within our group. Secrets only destroyed people and I had a feeling we'd need to know everything to make it as a group.

I'm rambling in my head now and I really should stop it. My thoughts have run away again. I feel like an open internet page. I get distracted easily and continually open up new tabs until I'm left with a hundred and have stretched my mind so thin that I can't make sense of what's coming or going. Obviously I need to work on my internal monologues. I think I'm starting to bore myself.

I'd hidden myself away in the school library. I had a study period and a pesky English essay to finish. I had writers block and the words were not coming. I had but a day and a half to finish this essay and I so wanted it to be a good one. Despite everything that happens I still want to get good grades. I'm just not fanatic about them like some people *cough* Bella *cough*.

It was Rose who found me in the library and that was surprising really. I didn't know anyone was looking for me or that Rose had actually wanted to talk to me. I love all the Cullen's but I'm closest to Edward, Alice and Jasper merely because we share so many classes together. I wanted to get to know the other members of the family though and I knew I was halfway there with Rose. She was inspirational.

"I wanted to ask you a question that's been bugging me. You don't have to answer if you don't want to as it's quite personal but I'm wracking my brain for an answer that I just can't seem to find," she said.

I knew that despite Rose's stunning looks, she was way more intelligent than people gave her credit for and that she wouldn't ask Ella for anything too outrageous or uncomfortable.

I nodded letting her know to ask the question on her mind.

"Why aren't you and Edward a couple?"

Woah!? Where did that come from.

I was shocked to say the least as from all the questions I'd thought she might ask that was not one of them.

"Excuse me?"

"Don't play the innocent card now Ella! We've all watched the two of you dance around each other for weeks now and neither of you seem to be inching to make a move on the other. What gives?"

Though Ella had heard what Rose had said, she chose to ignore the implication that Edward might like her as well because she knew that that wasn't true.

"Vampires mate right? I know most supernatural creatures seem to do just that."

Rose nodded, "we mate for life but we have a different way of mating than say, witches or wolves."

"I like Edward, I really do but I know I'm not his mate. That's why he avoids me and refuses to get too close to me. I understand completely. I mean what if he did come to love me and we settled down? There is no future for us and it would only end in heartbreak should he meet his true mate. I wouldn't want to put myself through that because I think it might break me. I'm content to love him from afar and keep my feelings bottled up."

"You're wrong you know."

"How do you know? Has he ever mentioned that I'm his mate? No. Has he ever made a move on me? No. Has he given any inclination that he likes me more than a friend? No. Rose you might think me delusional but I refuse to willingly put myself on the road to heartbreak."

I could see that Rose still didn't believe what I was saying but it wasn't my problem. I knew what I believed in and what my opinions were. Everyone was entitled to their own opinion but they weren't entitled to forcing my hand. I was my own person after all.

As if sensing that I didn't want to talk about Edward, Rose shifted the topic of conversation and I was relieved. It was bad enough that I had feelings for Edward which I couldn't control and I didn't like having to air them out for others to see.

"What do you want to do after school?" she asked.

"I was to study music and art. Renee thought that was a waste of time and money but I'm so passionate about it that I know I couldn't live without pursuing it to the max. I'd love to work my love of fashion into my future somehow and I want to learn how to dance. Not just the waltz and foxtrot but the salsa and cha cha cha. I want to be fully immersed in a creative life. I couldn't do an office job because I'd be bored beyond belief. I'd like to travel and discover new things. I want happiness and love to become the chief emotions in my life."

That was, I thought, one of the more passionate speeches I'd given in my life but every word of it was true. That was the future I wanted for myself and hopefully the Cullen's would be a part of that.

"You have it all figured out."

"Not really. I know what I want from life but I haven't yet mapped out the steps to reach what I want. I prefer to take a road that isn't watertight. Life is all about moving and changing. As long as I don't lose sight of my goals I don't care for how I get there."

"You didn't mention Bella in the life you want to have."

"Sometimes you're too smart Rose. I love Bella and I always will. She is the other half of my soul. However, our lives were always going to be different. We might be twins but we don't look alike and we don't act alike because we're two different people. I'm so happy for Bella because she has found the person she'd belongs with. I truly believe that Adrian is it for her. Yet I miss the closeness we once shared. Bella has always been the shadow that has looked after me and I do feel lost without her. Of course I wouldn't deny her happiness ever but I miss the way we were."

"You'll never lose her."

"I know that but I've spent so much of my life with her as a constant companion. She's been my Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle and Grandparent all in one. I'm very grateful that I now live with Dad and I love him to the earth and back but I still feel as if I'm missing something. Renee has never been a Mother to me like she was a Mother to Bella and I know I struggle because of that."

"You know I've always wanted a kid and it's the one thing I can't have because I'm a vampire. I know you're two years from being eighteen but if you need someone to fill that maternal roll I'd be happy to try my best at it."

I was struck with such emotion that I could hardly look at Rose without the tears blurring my vision. I knew I was pouring my heart out to her but I hadn't expected her to come up with his solution. It seemed too 'fairy-tale' to be real. Was I living a film life where everything was perfect? Or was I living in the real world where sometimes miracles did happen?

I didn't trust myself to speak but I knew this proposition meant more to Rose and I than people would ever know so I nodded in response. Having a tight hug bestowed on me by Rose was like I was coming home to warmth and love. Was it silly to have accepted this offer? Was I tempting fate with it? Was I making my life become a happily ever after with a bow for good measure? I wasn't entirely sure what was meant by it but I was following the rule I'd woken up with for 'no bad vibes' and this wasn't bad but good.

"You're coming with me," said Angela as she dragged my arm and lead me outside.

"What? Why? Jeez Angela do you have to hold me so tight?"

She loosened her grip but didn't let go as she dragged me from the Cafeteria. My eyes clearly read 'help me' but none on my table did. In fact, they just seemed to be laughing at my expense. I narrowed my eyes dangerously, oh they would pay for their laughter…

"Angela where are we going? Why are you dragging me?"

"Outside, carpark. I'm telling Adrian and Tyler and then we're going back in and I'm telling the Cullen's."

"Why?"

"Why am I telling or why am I dragging you?"

"Both."

"Oh that's easy. Mum said I should tell everyone. Apparently keeping it a secret is a bad thing. With it out in the open I can actually help out when the going gets tough. I'm dragging you out because you were the first to know and I'd prefer to have a little safety when I tell the others."

"So you're using me as a human shield?"

"Basically yeah. Nothing untoward should happen but you can never tell."

"I'm not sure if I should be offended or not at your blatant lack of regard as to whether I die or not."

"Please, you aren't in any danger. Have you seen Ben by the way? He's been absent for quite a few weeks now and I can't get hold of anyone at his house."

"No I haven't seen him. I actually thought he'd left. Perhaps they're on holiday?"

"In the middle of the school year? No, something is fishy about this."

"You know you're getting off topic here and I can spy Adrian and Tyler coming this way. You better say what you want to Adrian quickly though because I know he doesn't like to be away from Bella for long. Have you told Bella by the way?"

"I figured Adrian would tell her once I told him."

"You want to tell us what this super-secret carpark meeting is all about?" asked Tyler.

I smirked at Tyler's humour but I could see how his shoulders had tensed and knew he wondered whether Angela had discovered their secret.

"I'm a witch."

The boys stared at her.

"A witch?"

"Yeah you know like a magical spell casting wand waving witch."

"Is Hogwarts real as well then?" asked Tyler.

"No idiot, and I don't use a wand anyway."

"Then why say 'wand waving'?"

"I was making a comparison!"

"Alright children, please behave," I said.

Adrian remained smiling at their antics.

"I already knew you were a witch. It was delightful to watch your powers manifest though," said Adrian.

It was Angela's turn to be surprised.

"How did you know?"

"I'm a full light fey and Tyler's a half fey. We were trained to recognise other supernatural creatures."

"Huh."

"You're surprised aren't you. Thought you were the only one?"

She nodded.

"Forks is a haven for supernatural creatures that shouldn't exist. There are places all over the world like this. Not sure why they attract so many but we all work together to make sure the humans stay ignorant," said Adrian.

"Do you know about the Cullen's?"

"I paled at that. I knew Adrian knew they were vampires but I didn't think Tyler would know and I definitely hadn't thought Angela would recognise them.

"That they're vampires? Yeah," said Angela.

"You should tell them you're a witch."

"I was going to."

"Don't tell them we're fey though," cautioned Adrian.

"Why not?"

"The stars have not aligned for that moment yet and to answer their questions too soon would change the timelines. Everything happens for a reason and so we must wait until the right time."

"That was awfully cryptic you know," I said.

"We fey don't always say what we mean."

"Will you tell Bella for me?"

Adrian nodded, "you should go tell the Cullen's now. They'll get suspicious of our absence otherwise. Please excuse Tyler and I as it would look weird if you told them your secret in the presence of 'mere humans'."

Angela nodded in response to Adrian's words and once more I found myself being dragged away.

How do I get myself into these messes? A question I didn't ever think I'd find the answer for.

Adrian had been right though; the Cullen's did look a little uneasy once we were sitting with them once more. It was obvious that something was amiss with the absence of Bella, Adrian and Tyler. It made me think about the obvious absence of Ben and I wondered whether I should be concerned or not. I made a mental note to ask Dad about it and hoped he'd know what to do.

"So I have an announcement to make," said Angela as she paused for dramatic effect. "I'm a witch."

"Knew it," said Emmett as he fists bumped the air.

"You all owe me $20," said Alice excitedly.

"We should never have bet against her," added Rose.

They were so amusing that I just couldn't help myself and I just began to laugh. My laughing got so loud that it became hysterical and it wasn't long before others were joining in with me. Angela looked like a goldfish opening and closing her mouth in shock before she managed to get a giggle out herself.

It was funny how quite often the things we dread are the least scary and the easiest to conquer.

Edward and I had managed to score a music room for our musical afternoon. It was a good thing that he did because I wasn't looking forward to trying to muster the creative juices in a room full of people trying to do the same. It was very hard to think of something when you could hear everyone else's failed attempts play around you.

With Edward and I in a room together you might think that my heart was beating erratically and that I was blushing like a cherry tomato. You'd be right on both accounts but I was also determined to do our assignment justice and so was able to force those problems deep down. I knew Edward had probably seen and heard what I was feeling but it didn't matter to me.

We spent the time allocated to us messing around with chords and note patterns and hoped that something would present itself to us. We'd have to perform our song at the music gala in a couple of weeks' time, so both of us were determined to produce a grade A product. Maybe we were working too hard and that was why we couldn't get a clear image of what we wanted our song to be. I felt like we were getting nowhere and that wasn't a place I liked to be.

I felt too nervous to create something and I knew Edward made me nervous. Perhaps I should have insisted I be partnered with someone else. It was maddening to be alone with someone I had such strong feelings for when I knew that they didn't return them. I was sitting on the piano stool with him and our legs were touching. If I made but the slightest moment I was sure I'd end up in his lap.

"Do you want to sing a song? It might try and get us in a more creative mind," he said.

I nodded, at this point I'd try anything.

"Do you know 'La Vie En Rose' the Louis Armstrong version?"

Again I nodded.

"Why don't you take the first verse and I'll take the second."

He'd already begun playing so I didn't think I had much of a choice in the matter. I let the music take me away and felt myself captured in the fire of his gaze. Time moved around us but we were contained in this moment.

I sung better than I thought I would but when Edward opened his mouth to sing I was blown away. I didn't know he could sing, let alone sing that well. That he was singing and looking at me and not the piano was skilful as well.

Was it even possible for a song to be this passionate? For him to light me on fire so thoroughly? Was I even breathing right now? The room felt hot and heavy and though there were no words left to sing, Edward was still quietly playing a melody. I knew this exercise was supposed to invigorate our creative juices and it had invigorated me just not in the way it was supposed to.

It felt like every nerve in my body was tingling and my brain was fighting against my heart. The former wanted me to flee the scene while the latter wanted to see how things played out.

I realised that Edward had long since given up playing the piano and his gazed was solely on me. He looked like a starved man greedily drinking from sweet nectar. I don't think it was my blood he was thinking of though.

In a move almost slower than I ever thought possible, she felt the brush of Edward's lips upon her own. They were cool and warm at the same time. The tingles that had inhabited her body went into overdrive as she tried to deal with this new development. She never thought that Edward would be the one to kiss her. Did he not care that this would only end in heartbreak?

She indulged in the moment a few seconds longer before pushing him away. He looked, hurt, disappointed? She couldn't really tell.

"You did not like it?"

"Edward I loved it but we cannot do this."

His brow wrinkled in confusion, "why not?"

"It would only end in heartbreak. Edward what happens when you meet your mate? You'd forget all about me and I don't think I could stand that."

"My mate? What are you talking about? Who did you speak too?"

"It doesn't matter. Edward I won't stop you from getting your happiness but it's not with me."

"Ella wait, let me explain, you've got it all wrong!"

He was shouting now but I didn't let him explain. Instead I did what my head had been asking I do and I ran from him. I ran from the man I loved and knew in that moment that life wouldn't be the same again.

Song Lyrics: Louis Armstrong's Version of 'La Vie En Rose' - If you haven't heard it, it's a beautiful song and you should give it a listen :)

Up Next: Chapter Eighteen – Fist Fights